Lela Mahar

From decade to decade, Lela Mahar witnessed many changes throughout her long life. Through the turmoil of war and beyond the hardships of the Great Depression, she lived with the changes of time which made her the special and well loved woman she was. A remarkable woman in the lives of those she touched, Lela's sweet and carefree nature enlightened everyone around her with loving kindness. Although she will be sadly missed, her memory lives on in many ways.

Lela's story began in the year 1924 when Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States and at a time when industry was booming in the U.S. With the economy soaring, the Roaring Twenties brought excitement to the air within an ever changing culture. Nestled in the close knit city of Owosso, Michigan, Arthur and Rosalie (Friess) Fyan were filled with excitement of their own when on December 1, 1924, they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Lela into their hearts.

Lela was also welcomed by her older sister, Thelma. Although she experienced a childhood typical for the times, the onset of the Great Depression created troubling times for all. Already a struggle in making ends meet, and her father's work as a mechanic dwindled during these tumultuous days. Quite poor, even providing enough food to feed his family was a great challenge. They often did without, but were nonetheless thankful for each other.

Young Lela attended the area schools and truly liked school. She was a shy girl, but made friends quite easily. Her best friend during her youth was Arnita with whom Lela shared many adventures. In the midst of World War II, Lela went on to graduate from Owosso High School with the Class of 1942.

Lela's friend Arnita was dating a young man named Robert Mahar and she introduced Lela to his younger brother, Gordon Mahar. Quite smitten, the young couple began a dating relationship and they especially enjoyed attending the local dances together. Gordon so loved Lela, and he knew of her family struggles. He told Lela if she married him, she would never go hungry again. On June 17, 1944, the two were blessed in marriage at St. Johns United Methodist Church in a candlelight service before family and friends. They enjoyed a memorable honeymoon taking in the warmth of the summer sun at Grand Haven, Michigan's shoreline.

After their honeymoon, Lela and Gordon returned to live in St. Johns where Gordon worked in the grocery business from an early age. Before long they welcomed children of their own with the births of Pamela, Arthur and Kayle. The love of family was a vital part of the Mahar home. Together, Lela and Gordon raised their children with an abundance of unconditional love. A fun-loving mother, Lela brought much joy to the lives of her children. She made a good home for Gordon and the kids and they enjoyed much laughter in their home. With a special twinkle in her eye, Lela was free spirited and possessed a light hearted nature which drew many to her side.

Lela taught herself how to cook and became a very good cook, at that. She was always making candies, cookies, and donut holes which were well loved recipes handed down from her family.

For more than 25 years, Lela and Gordon owned and operated the Mahar Grocery Store in Pompeii, Michigan. Always the hard worker, Lela supported her husband in the business, and tended to their family while he worked extended hours. As their children grew, they helped out in the store, as well. Eventually, large groceries began competing for their customers and the Mahar's closed the store in 1976. It was then when they began working for the Mini-Mart in the Lansing area until they both eventually retired.

Throughout the years, Lela and Gordon shared great times with Arnita and Bob. As a family they enjoyed camping, but Lela most often did all the work. Most importantly, Lela simply enjoyed spending time with family, and they loved traveling to see extended family whenever they had the opportunity.

Lela and Gordon were inseparable. For 64 years, they were not only husband and wife, but the best of friends, co-workers, true companions, and soul mates. As Gordon suffered from many back issues, they eventually moved to the Laurels of Carson City in early 2010 where life was easier on them. After her beloved Gordon's death in 2010, Lela found comfort in the love of family and friends. A truly fantastic grandmother, she loved her grandchildren dearly and looked forward to enjoying their company.

Throughout her life, Lela Mahar lived fully and completely for the love of family. From her earliest beginnings, life was never easy, but with the love of her life by her side, she lived a blessed life filled with gratitude, love, and grace. Deeply missed, the twinkle in her eye lives on through each one she touched with ways all her own.

Lela M. Mahar, of St. Johns, died November 30, 2013 at the age of 88. Surviving are her children: Pamela (Brian) Sievert of Perrinton, MI, Arthur (Deborah) Mahar of Belding, MI, and Kayle (Kendra) Mahar of Kincheloe, MI; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews. Including her husband, Gordon, Lela was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Thelma Hummel.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Osgood Funeral Home, 104 E. Cass Street, St. Johns, MI. The family will receive friends from 10 AM to 12 noon Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 132 W Spruce St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. To learn more about Lela and view her Life Story film, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/95742. The family is being served by Osgood Funeral Homes.